Name: Hot Chocolate Roll Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 277 min
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar; 5 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting; ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened); 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring; 7 ounces marshmallow fluff; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 to 2 tablespoons half and half cream; 1 cup mini marshmallows; chocolate syrup (for drizzling); 1 cup mini marshmallows

A close up photo of Hot Chocolate Roll Cake

Hot chocolate roll cake combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy filling for a deliciously cozy dessert. Perfect for winter gatherings or family nights, this easy recipe impresses with every bite.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Hot Chocolate Flavored Roll Cake
Why You'll Love This Recipe for Hot Chocolate Roll Cake
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Hot chocolate roll cake is a rich, chocolaty dessert perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions. This delightful treat combines fluffy chocolate cake with creamy marshmallow filling, giving you the ultimate hot cocoa experience in every bite. It’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. Top with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder for an irresistible finish!

This recipe is easy to make, with step-by-step photos and directions to guide you. We’ve also included pro tips and tricks to ensure perfect results, plus answers to frequently asked questions for any extra help!

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Hot Chocolate Roll Cake takes only 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake. Chill for 4-6 hours and enjoy! This cake combines rich chocolate flavor with a fluffy, creamy filling for a treat that everyone will love.

Perfect for winter gatherings or holiday parties, it brings the comforting taste of hot chocolate to your dessert table. Try this easy recipe to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Hot Chocolate Roll Cake recipe:

For the Cake

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting

To Make the Marshmallow Buttercream Filling

¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
1 (7-ounce) container marshmallow fluff
3 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons half and half cream
1 cup mini marshmallows

For the Topping

chocolate syrup for drizzling
1 cup mini marshmallows

Pro Tip

Make sure you do not use any fabric softener when washing the tea towel. The fabric softener will transfer to the cake and cause the flavor to taste off. Also, make sure not to use a terry cloth tea towel, as the lint will transfer to the cake.

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your hot chocolate roll cake recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and a burst of extra chocolate goodness.

Substitute Cocoa Powder: Try dark cocoa powder for a richer, bolder chocolate flavor in your hot chocolate roll cake.

Add Peppermint Extract: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive, minty twist on your roll cake.

Substitute Whipped Filling: Use marshmallow fluff instead of whipped cream for a gooey, sweet layer that amps up the hot chocolate flavor.

Swaps are easy while still maintaining the delicious flavor of this chocolate roll cake.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Flavored Roll Cake

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started making this delicious hot chocolate roll cake together!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 10x15x1 jelly roll pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the prepared pan with nonstick spray. Set it aside.

SECOND STEP: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set dry ingredients aside.

combining the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a bowl

THIRD STEP: Using a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a hand mixer on high speed, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture is a frothy pale yellow.

beating together ingredients of Hot Chocolate Roll Cake

FOURTH STEP: Fold in the flour mixture.

FIFTH STEP: Evenly pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan. Use either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula to spread the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.

SIXTH STEP: Remove the cake from the oven, and using a sharp knife, carefully run the tip along the edges of the pan.

SEVENTH STEP: Heavily dust the top of a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

EIGHTH STEP: Immediately place the dusted tea towel, powdered sugar side down, on top of the cake.

NINTH STEP: Lay a large cutting board on top of the tea towel. The cake pan will be hot, so you will need to be careful to protect your hands. Quickly flip the cake pan over so that the cake is lying on top of the dusted towel.

laying a cutting board on top of the tea towel and flipping the cake pan over

TENTH STEP: Carefully and slowly peel the parchment away from the warm cake.

ELEVENTH STEP: Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.

TWELFTH STEP: Flip one end of the tea towel over one of the short ends of the cake. Carefully begin to roll one end towards the other. Once rolled, set it aside to let cake cool completely. While the rolled cake is cooling, make the marshmallow buttercream filling.

Pro Tip

It is very important to be patient when rolling and unrolling the cake. Rushing can cause cracks.

Marshmallow Buttercream Filling

FIRST STEP: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a medium bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and clear vanilla flavoring for 1 to 1½ minutes, until smooth.

SECOND STEP: Add the container of marshmallow fluff and continue beating for 1 more minute until completely incorporated.

adding the container of marshmallow in a bowl

THIRD STEP: Lower the mixer speed to low speed and add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, alternating with the half and half, until smooth.

Cake Assembly

FIRST STEP: Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully and slowly unroll the cake. If there are a few small cracks, it will be ok.

SECOND STEP: Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, spread the filling over the top of the cake in an even layer, avoiding the edges.

spreading the filling over the top of cake

THIRD STEP: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top of the filling.

FOURTH STEP: Slowly, with gentle even pressure, carefully roll the cake back in a “roll”.

FIFTH STEP: Tightly roll the plastic wrap to ensure it holds its shape. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours.

Pro Tip

After the cake roll has been in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, you can transfer it to the freezer for 30 minutes before drizzling the chocolate syrup.

SIXTH STEP: Once properly chilled, drizzle with the chocolate syrup and garnish with the mini marshmallows. Slice ten ½-inch slices.

Pro Tip

When slicing the cake, be sure to clean the knife between slices. This will help keep the slices clean and keep the layers intact.

a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the Hot Chocolate Roll Cake

How To Serve Hot Chocolate Roll Cake

You can serve this hot chocolate roll cake in so many fun ways! Whether it’s a winter party or a cozy family night, this dessert will delight everyone. Kids and adults alike love its rich chocolate flavor and creamy filling.

Holiday Parties: This cake is perfect for winter celebrations, adding a cozy, sweet touch to any holiday table. Pair it with homemade hot chocolate or hot for a festive treat everyone will love.
Family Movie Night: Serve up slices of this roll cake for a fun family night in! Its hot chocolate flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Try serving it with bowls of popcorn or iced tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Birthday Parties: This cake’s creamy, chocolatey goodness makes it a hit for birthday celebrations, especially during cooler months. Pair it with classic white chocolate chip cookies or a batch of chewy caramel brownies for a dessert table that wows.

a piece of Hot Chocolate Roll Cake on a plate

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Hot Chocolate Roll Cake

Hot Chocolate Roll Cake is a reader favorite for its incredible flavor and cozy appeal. Here’s what makes this recipe so beloved:

Classic Hot Chocolate Flavor: This cake captures the warm, comforting taste of hot chocolate in every bite. Its rich chocolate sponge and creamy filling create a flavor experience that readers can’t get enough of.
Perfect Texture Combination: The light, fluffy cake contrasts with the smooth, decadent filling, creating an irresistible treat. Each bite offers a balanced, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Fun to Make and Share: With its easy, step-by-step instructions, this cake is fun to make and ideal for sharing. Readers enjoy baking it for loved ones, turning any occasion into a special one with its simple yet impressive look.

No matter the occasion hot chocolate roll cake is sure to please!

Hot Chocolate Roll Cake and a jar of marshmallow on the side

Recipe FAQ

How do I keep the cake from cracking when I roll it?
Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a clean towel to help shape it without cracking. Cooling in this shape helps prevent breaking later.

What’s the best way to spread the filling evenly?
Use a spatula and gently smooth the filling over the cake, leaving a small border to avoid overflow when rolling.

How do I keep the roll cake from sticking to the towel?
Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar before placing the warm cake on it, which prevents sticking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve for freshness.

Serving FAQ

What is the best way to slice hot chocolate roll cake?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, beautiful servings. Cut slowly to avoid squishing the cake.

How should I present hot chocolate roll cake at a gathering?
Arrange slices on a serving platter with powdered sugar dusted on top for a festive, eye-catching presentation.

Can I serve this cake at room temperature?
Yes, serving it at room temperature enhances the flavors and makes the cake softer and even more enjoyable.

How many slices can I get from one roll cake?
You can get about eight to ten slices from one roll cake, making it perfect for small gatherings or family treats.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions and tips below for storing hot chocolate roll cake at its best. We’ve got everything covered to keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Can I make hot chocolate roll cake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness.
What’s the best way to store leftover hot chocolate roll cake?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze hot chocolate roll cake?
Yes, wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container to freeze for up to one month.
How should I thaw and serve frozen hot chocolate roll cake?
Thaw in the fridge overnight. For best flavor, serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.